Preece hails best Vics yet (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria manager Andy Preece is positive despite defeat

8:24pm Saturday 5th September 2009 in News By Andrew Simpson

ANDY Preece sought solace in his side’s display following their single-goal reverse at Corby Town.

The Northwich Victoria manager told the Guardian that the visitors had not played better in any of their previous seven encounters this term.

“I think that’s our best performance,” he said.

“We did everything but put the ball into the back of the net but I have to say that they [Corby] played their part in that because three times a defender cleared off the line.

“The keeper also made two or three decent saves as well and to be honest we peppered them pretty much from the first minute.

“It’s a sickener to lose because people will remember the result rather than how the team played.”

Sub Mark Stallard, who sank Vics last season as a second half substitute while playing for Mansfield Town, repeated the trick at the Rockingham Triangle.

He converted fellow replacement Joe Francis’ cross 10 minutes from time.

But Preece refused to be downbeat.

He added: “If we play like that for the rest of the season we will score a lot of points.

“It was just one of those days.

“There are few criticisms I can have. Our finishing could have been better on a couple of occasions but must have been well into double figures with shots on target.

“That hasn’t happened in the other matches. We haven’t been working opposition goalkeepers and defences enough but that wasn’t the case here.”

The visitors dominated before and after the interval, according to Preece.

And the former Worcester City boss was pleased his players continued to press for a win despite failing to convert any of their chances.

“They kept going,” he said.

“Half time came at the right time for them because we were well on top. I expected a reaction from Corby but it never came and we continued to control the game.

“It’s a shame.

“Perhaps we have taken points on one or two occasions this season when we haven’t deserved it and losing here is our comeuppance.”

Corby move up to third after taking the points, while Vics remain penultimate bottom.